TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Staying at Lavista Beach,,,closest grocery store ?

Hello again.
In the past we have bought our groceries at the market right at round about at Maho,,,and also out at Cupucoy while staying at the Sapphire. The one by Sapphire was really nice.
But, we have shopped a few times at Maho as well.
We like to unpack our luggage, then head out to stock up the condo,,,first thing. Is there a good grocery store closer to La Vista than the two I mentioned. A store with lots of variety and of course some alcohol. Clamato juice and Vodka is a must for our early morning ceasars by the pool!!! lol.....I would use the grocery service you all talk about, but we have 3 newbies with us,,,and heading to the grocery store is part of the adventure. Love, just love introducing new people to the island, we've done it everytime!!

There in a nice well stocked store that should have all of your need as you turn off of Farewell Rd. On Billey Folly Rd. Next to Burger King.

The prices are a few cents higher than some of the stores closer to Phillipsburg but that may be just ones opinion?


But it is the most convenient and is 2 minutes from La Vista.

We own at La Vista and have made many a stop at the store and they have had just about every thing we were after. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />

Market Garden is THE closest grocery store, yes, but I prefer the Gourmet Grand Marche to it. They don't have as big a selection, but their prices are the same as the regular Grand Marche's. Or, for a big run, over the hill to the GM by Mark's.. The Peli Deli, I don't really consider a grocery store..

Sorry Carol,,,,where is the Grand Marche? I am somewhat familiar with finding places in sxm,,,but I need refreshers. (my fault for not coming often enough!) and GM's ?? What or where is that one? If I guess,,,is the grand marche kinda across the street from Simpson Bay Yacht club,,,like on opposite side of road,,,after we would cross over the bridge heading to airport from Billey Folley?? I could be way off,,,but just not sure. Thanks for your help

Sorry, GM is Grand Marche. The Gourmet GM is after you cross the bridge yes, on the lagoon side of the road, headed toward the airport. The big GM's are in Cole Bay, and by the Mark's at the roundabout going toward Philipsburg. Go up over the mountain and it will be on the right, once you get back down the mountain.

The absolutely closest store is the Peli Deli, which is within Simpson Bay Resorts (formerly Pelican). It's more of a convenience store, but is well-stocked and the prices aren't unreasonable. The next closest is Market Garden, at the corner of Welfare Road and Billy Folly (at the bottom of the hill where you turn to go to La Vista). The prices are somewhat higher there than at the Grand Marche, but again, not unreasonable for the convenience. For a major shopping trip, we go to the Grand Marche in Cole Bay, and found this trip that it was easier to get there by using the causeway.

GAKaye,,,,the "causeway" will be a new experience for me. It was not there on our last visit. Just exactly where is it,,and what convenience does it provide for travellers? My understanding of what I have read here and there is that it has helped the traffic conjestion at times? Maybe I can google it to get a better of an idea where it starts and ends. Also having said that,,,when I get clarification, it will be easier for me to understand where the Grand Marche in Cole bay is,,,any trips we have been to sxm,,we have never been in cole bay area,,,,never been where Divi little bay or belair is,,,not exactly sure how to get there.

I can't post the link but go to Google type "sxm causeway" and hit "maps" and you'll a nice view of the causeway. Nice map as many things are labeled.

When you come out of LaVista to Welfare Rd; you'll make a left (towards the airport). Go through Simpson Bay. Causeway will be on your right. After you go over the causeway take a right and just past Port de Plaisance is the Grande Marche.

...and you will see the causeway at the roundabout as you leave the airport

The market Garden is by far the most easy and closest grocery store. It is next to the Burger King as you turn to go up the hill to La Vista. It is well stocked with food, snacks and liquor. It is always our first stop to stock a few items. Later, you can visit Grand March at the second round-about on the way to Philipsburg. Prices are not that much higher at Market Garden and it's very convenient to La Vista.

They also have a salad and sandwich counter for to go lunches. 2.50 gets you a ready made fresh footlong baguette sandwich in Turkey ham salami or tuna for the beach. Very covienient.

Does anyone know the closing times for Peli Deli or the other stores near La Vista? We arrive on a Saturday around 5pm and would like to pick up things as well.

I don't know the hours for the Peli Deli, but the Market Garden closes around 9:00 P.M.They have a good selection and very nice fresh fruits and vegetables. Lots of beer, wine and liquor and snacks to get you going.

Both Peli Deli and Market Garden will be open when you arrive.

We assume that after going through customs, getting the car and checking in at La Vista it will be around 7pm, will they still be open then?

I'm not positive exactly what time Peli Deli closes, but I know for sure that Market Garden is open until 9.

7pm will be close...I believe it closes at 730-8p but, as was mentioned, down the hill a tad is Market Garden which will be open.

Thanks for the information.

Hi there. Be sure to do a trip report,,,we arrive at La Vista Beach, 2 bedroom on January 17th. Have fun. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

We won't be there till Feb 7. We own a 1 bedroom every-other year. La Vista is a great place to stay.